Bus Tours
4 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 100% of travellers
100% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$115
per adult
Hawkes Bay Scenic Tours Ltd
Hawkes Bay Scenic Tours Ltd
Hawkes Bay Scenic Tours Ltd
5
City ToursHistorical & Heritage ToursBeer Tastings & ToursWine Tours & Tastings
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Full view
About
We are a family owned and operated Local Tour company. We specialize in private local tours, including Cruise Ship Shore Excursions. These tours offer Sightseeing, Art Deco, City history, also Wine and Brewery Tours. This is truly a fantastic region to visit. Napier was completely destroyed in 1931 by a 7.8 earthquake, and rebuilt in the style of the day, mainly Art Deco and Spanish Mission. Napier, along with the Hawkes Bay region, has been a secret for too long, discover it today with us.
Tours and Tickets by Hawkes Bay Scenic Tours Ltd
Historical Tours
4 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
$115
per adult
Food & Drink
5 hours
Free cancellation
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from
$170
per adult
Spring Break
4 hours
Free cancellation
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Recommended by 95% of travellers
95% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$130
per adult
Architecture Tours
2–3 hours
Taking safety measures
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
$88
per adult
Travellers talk about
(29 reviews)
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5.0
367 reviews
Excellent
322
Very good
35
Average
6
Poor
2
Terrible
2
Emily717
New York City, NY3 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
My mom, sister, and I did the tour with Tere and it is a must on any trip to New Zealand! Tere was so much fun and incredibly knowledgeable about Napier. As she drove, she shared very interesting stories and made the entire group feel at ease! The wineries that were chosen were excellent as well! There were a variety of wines offered at the tastings - from organic, to reds, whites, sparkling wines, and roses! We even got to meet the wine maker himself at one of the locations. It was truly an personal and incredible experience and we cannot recommend it enough to other travelers!
Written 28 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Johnboy12321
Thank you for your very kind words. Yes, Tere is an awesome driver/guide for our company, and we really appreciate how she treats her clients with so much respect. I will make sure we pass this review on to our lovely lady who never stops smiling. Thankyou Maggie & John
Written 29 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Martyn H
21 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
A superbly scenic trip in Hawes Bay area and a chance to seen Napier’s fine buildings. The day got off to a stuttering start by the meeting location not matching the joining instruction. The green sign to be displayed by the operator was not on show.
The mini- bus was not waiting for us; indeed we had a 10-minute wait before it appeared.
The driver gave only brief commentary and those further back in the vehicle did not hear anything as the microphone/PA quality was so significantly distorted. The tour took in some beautiful stunning countryside with well-chosen stops however the length of stops was unclear. A good tour that needs attention to detail to make it truly great.
The mini- bus was not waiting for us; indeed we had a 10-minute wait before it appeared.
The driver gave only brief commentary and those further back in the vehicle did not hear anything as the microphone/PA quality was so significantly distorted. The tour took in some beautiful stunning countryside with well-chosen stops however the length of stops was unclear. A good tour that needs attention to detail to make it truly great.
Written 14 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Johnboy12321
Hi 87mart: I thank, you for taking the time to post a review. In all honesty, I can only recall the one instance where all our vans were not present at the start to meet the shuttles this entire season or maybe forever. This is most unusual, but I recall a day where the ship had changed its arrival times several times and the shuttle operators decided to operate the shuttles as soon as they presented to the port. Normally they assemble then commence at a pre-determined time. A time we rely upon. For this reason we had only some vans present for around 10 minutes. This did not impact on tour times as the shuttles were technically early. I personally was there extra early with the green signage and I was the only one until the vans started to arrive 10 minutes after the very first shuttle arrived. Some vans were only 10 or 15 minutes away as I noted above. Due to the mix up on the port, I tried to get the vans earlier than arranged. As the main organiser, I had a green sign, maybe you did miss this ? I do apologise for any inconvenience this day, due to the shuttles presenting earlier than we were infirmed. I am glad that once you proceeded with your tour, the tour meet your expectations. We have been offering these tours for close to 20 years and again, this was the first instance of this. Thank you for your review, this helps us with decision making moving forward. Regards - John
Written 15 May 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mary Clark
3 contributions
Apr 2023
Without exception, this was the best tour of our cruise. We were all still talking about it up to disembarkation day, a month after the tour.
John stepped up to the plate and made the tour work, despite the recent amount of damage and loss of life caused by the cyclone earlier in the year.
John was well prepared, articulate in speech, and gve each and every one of us a unique, thoroughly enjoyable day out. We loved every minute. And I loved feeding the llamas.
Thank you John. And lets not forget Karin, whose house we visited to buy handmade candles with NZ pine scent (my favourite), plus handmade greetings cards, all at extremely reasonable prices. And all handmade, so all unique and one of a kind.
Feel confident in booking John, and ask to visit Karin for those handmade gifts to take back home for the friends, pet sitters, and family.
A wonderful experience I shall never forget,. Thank you John and Maggie. xxx
John stepped up to the plate and made the tour work, despite the recent amount of damage and loss of life caused by the cyclone earlier in the year.
John was well prepared, articulate in speech, and gve each and every one of us a unique, thoroughly enjoyable day out. We loved every minute. And I loved feeding the llamas.
Thank you John. And lets not forget Karin, whose house we visited to buy handmade candles with NZ pine scent (my favourite), plus handmade greetings cards, all at extremely reasonable prices. And all handmade, so all unique and one of a kind.
Feel confident in booking John, and ask to visit Karin for those handmade gifts to take back home for the friends, pet sitters, and family.
A wonderful experience I shall never forget,. Thank you John and Maggie. xxx
Written 2 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Johnboy12321
Hi Mary (I recognise the tour description), Thank you so much for taking the time to write a fantastic review about your tour and booking procedure. Yes, putting the tour together, then we were struck by a very, very rare cyclone that took out vineyards, orchards, 5 or 6 bridges around the area and much more made planning your day harder than usual to say the very least. I am very pleased to hear that you all had a fantastic time and hearing that my tour was the best of your entire cruise. I believe that was about 3 months.. ? Regardless, thank you again. Kind regards, John
Written 2 May 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
normie 194
2 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
Fantastic winery and tour of Napier and surrounds, and wonderful insights and commentary from Maggie. We thoroughly enjoyed the whole afternoon experience and recommend this tour to everyone
Written 11 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Johnboy12321
Hi Deno194, Thank you for taking bthe time to write to say you had a "Fantastic winery and tour of Napier and surrounds". We have been operating for almost 20 years now, we love what we do and I think this reflects through to the tour. Thank you again. - John
Written 2 May 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Margied489
Ocala, FL11 contributions
Apr 2023
All communications with Hawkes Bay Scenic Tours were prompt and informative. When asked about their tours involving wine tasting, John wrote "I am pleased to say that we are able to assist you as requested with either tour. I think our CSWBT (Cruise Ship Wine, Beer and Art Deco Tour) will likely be the best fit as this includes the wine option." He was spot on!
We knew we would have an excellent day of touring Napier when we met Roy, our driver and guide. Before we left the pick up point, Roy gave us a thorough background of the area which was very beneficial. We were able to see many of the Art Deco buildings and residences in the area. We visited two wineries and an ale house ...the wines were all very good and our selection of one cider and three beers from the ale house area were outstanding. These were not small samples by any means! I cannot say enough good things about this tour and Roy - if I could give 10 stars, I would.
I encourage you to reserve with Hawkes Bay Scenic Tours for a wonderful adventure in Napier.
We knew we would have an excellent day of touring Napier when we met Roy, our driver and guide. Before we left the pick up point, Roy gave us a thorough background of the area which was very beneficial. We were able to see many of the Art Deco buildings and residences in the area. We visited two wineries and an ale house ...the wines were all very good and our selection of one cider and three beers from the ale house area were outstanding. These were not small samples by any means! I cannot say enough good things about this tour and Roy - if I could give 10 stars, I would.
I encourage you to reserve with Hawkes Bay Scenic Tours for a wonderful adventure in Napier.
Written 7 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Johnboy12321
Hi Margie, Thank you taking the time out to write a fantastic review. One gets a feel when speaking to clients about the best fit from our selection of tours. I am very pleased it was a success for you. Roy, your guide on the day has been with us for many years and is a local from birth. His knowledge is great and he loves taking the tours. Thank you again - John
Written 2 May 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mary T
Chester, UK12 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
We booked this tour well before out cruise and thtough bad weather / missed ports and changed port timings Maggie kept us updated on tour timings , amended the itinerary to fit in open wineries, cyclone devastation and requests from passengers. Informative about Napier, the honey farm trip was an additional treat along with a winery, gin bar and view point visit. Well done 👏
Written 1 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Johnboy12321
Nmtan.. Thank you so much for a fantastic review. Yes, what a month it had been. The worst cyclone in local history (the only one) and roads closures, wineries destroyed and yes, after much toing and froing we were able to present your tour to avoid further disappointment for you all. Thank you again. Regards - Maggie
Written 2 April 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rebecca
1 contribution
Apr 2023 • Friends
Absolutely amazing tour. Went above and beyond to meet our needs. A must do when you’re in Hawke’s Bay
Written 1 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Johnboy12321
Hi Rebecc, Thank you for writing your review. I am pleased you thought it was an "amazing tour". and "a must do when you’re in Hawke’s Bay". Thank you again - John
Written 2 May 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Heddy_13
Rockingham, Australia188 contributions
Whilst we were looking forward to the Hawkes Bay Express unfortunately due to circumstances beyond their control the tour had to be conducted on a tour coach but be that as it may the tour itself was informative and interesting led by Will - the best guide ever. The engaging commentary was informative and our guide Will articulate and full of fun and facts. His commentary outlined the history of the1931 earthquake and the many aspects of life in the region such as its workforce, industries, lifestyle and culture.
Written 28 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
trophywest
Redding, CA792 contributions
Jan 2023
It is a bus tour & John was our guide. Very knowlegeable & proud of the town.
We learned that Napier had an earthquake in 1931, destroying the town. They actually gained land mass & rebuilt the town in art nouveau style. That is the same style as old Los Angeles (think 1930’s). Due to once living in LA, I wasn't that impressed. We saw red stag along the way. Vineyards are plentiful by Hawkes Bay. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are popular in the Hawkes Bay region. From Te Mata (local mountain), we got a great overlook of the area. It was a good overview of the area.
We learned that Napier had an earthquake in 1931, destroying the town. They actually gained land mass & rebuilt the town in art nouveau style. That is the same style as old Los Angeles (think 1930’s). Due to once living in LA, I wasn't that impressed. We saw red stag along the way. Vineyards are plentiful by Hawkes Bay. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are popular in the Hawkes Bay region. From Te Mata (local mountain), we got a great overlook of the area. It was a good overview of the area.
Written 17 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Johnboy12321
Hi Trophy, thank you for your lovely review. Yes, I am very proud of my town and I am inclined to think I am knowledgeable about the area... modest. I note you mentioned art nouveau style, yes some of this present, but mostly Art Deco. I am pleased you modelled Napier against other cities.
The main difference would be that we have more Art Deco in a concentrated area than any city on the Planet. Again, I am very pleased you considered the tour as a good overview of the area. As we commence our tours ahead of the other tours on offer on the day, we are able to cover more of the area for a greater overview. Thank you again for your review. Regards, John
Written 15 March 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
BlondeNanny
Sydney, Australia29 contributions
Dec 2022
Kristy was a great tour guide and very informative.
She drove us around the city and showed us the art deco homes of the 1930's.
Te Mata Peak was absolutely stunning and we spent a bit of time there for photos.
Kristy dropped us off in the town and we spent some time exploring on our own.
Napier and Hawkes Bay are lovely.
The only negative is sitting at the back of the van, I was unable to see much through the small windows, so I missed out on a lot.
There were very long queues for the shuttle to get back to the ship and a longer wait at the port to get through security.
Overall a good tour.
She drove us around the city and showed us the art deco homes of the 1930's.
Te Mata Peak was absolutely stunning and we spent a bit of time there for photos.
Kristy dropped us off in the town and we spent some time exploring on our own.
Napier and Hawkes Bay are lovely.
The only negative is sitting at the back of the van, I was unable to see much through the small windows, so I missed out on a lot.
There were very long queues for the shuttle to get back to the ship and a longer wait at the port to get through security.
Overall a good tour.
Written 16 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Johnboy12321
Hi Blonde, thank you for your great review. I am sorry to hear that you could not see from your seat. For those reading this, we operate factory Toyota Mini busses (vans). While we have never had a comment before in almost 20 years, I do take your point. The rear seat in any vehicle, is not a visual as the front seat. I must note,. the window (one long window) extends down the whole side of the van and finishes behind the rear seat.
Yes, I imagine at any port the queues to get on and off the ship are long and security checks at the port are out of our control.
I think you again for taking the time to review. Regards, John
Written 15 March 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Irving F
Camarillo, CA1 contribution
I am interested in the Shore Excursion Half-Day Hawkes Bay and Napier Tour, but my ship will arrive at 8:00am. Considering the time it takes to disembark (assuming we are allowed to take the first shuttle) and the shuttle ride time, we probably would not be able to get to the tour pickup until 8:45 more or less (I assume). Would we be able to take this tour or would we miss it? (Please let me know ASAP as I would like to sign up IF we can make it.) Thank you.
John H
Napier, New Zealand4 contributions
Hi Irving
Have no worries about the timing. We have been taking these tours for 12+ years now, same tour (too popular to change) and the ships arrival times (shore times overall) have not changed for the past 5 years. The time you have quoted would be safe, and to be honest, that arrival time is around 30 minutes after the first shuttle. The secret is to be the first off the ship on the day, prepare early. Your visiting time in Napier is the shortest off all shore arrivals so this is important. Our lovely Hawkes Bay (and our tours) offer so much as this region is very different from any other in New Zealand.
Wendy K
Singapore, Singapore88 contributions
Hello, I am visiting Napier from Singapore July 26, would you be running this excursion on that day? How much would it be for two adults pls?
John H
Napier, New Zealand4 contributions
Hi Wendy - thank you for your enquiry
Yes, we would start a tour for you based on a couple (2 people).
You did not mention which tour.
Regardless, if you complete the booking form on the site - I can get you all confirmed.
- John
Kevin C
1 contribution
We will be arriving in Napier on Holland America MS Maasdam November 29 2016 at 8:00am for 6 hours only. Is that enough time to take one of your city tours without feeling rushed?
Any suggestions you have would be appreciated .
John H
Napier, New Zealand4 contributions
Hi Kevin C:
Yes, the tours we offer suit these times. This is the normal amount of time for Napier (sadly it is a very short time). We offer 2 tours. In very short form, 1 is a wine and City art deco tour while the other is a rural and then City and art deco tour. Both hugely popular and I would say the most popular pre-booked tours on any ship day. To book or receive more info please go to our contact/booking page on our website. I shall then send a detailed itinerary to you. napiertours or hbscenictours - sorry I am unable to place a full web link here. - Thank you for your enquiry - John
